View of the South from the Rialto Bridge
The Ponte di Rialto or Rialto Bridge is one of Venice’s most recognizable landmarks. It is the first stone bridge which was built to span the Grand Canal of Venice. This bridge rises quite high to allow vessels to pass under it. Interestingly, the bridge is also lined with shops. I was surprised to know that this was a modern creation but a necessity back then. To help support the operation of the bridge, stores were put up on both sides of the Rialto bridge to get rent to help pay for the maintenance. The stores on the bridge are still there but I think they didn’t were souvenir shops. The bridge gets so busy that you might not even notice that this was a bridge in the first place!
View of the North from the Rialto Bridge
There are steps on along the span so you can have a look at the Grand Canal. It is nice to be able to see it from a higher vantage point though I would still prefer the view with the Rialto Bridge in it. There were more than a few boats here for hire and I guess this would be one of the most popular parts of the Grand Canal. I think this place would be magical when the sun goes down. Need to try to get here by then.
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